Taking the reins as queen

SHE was riding around at rodeos when she was as toddler, and now as a 21-year-old, she will ride with the Australian flag at the world's biggest rodeos.

Rebekah McMahon's Rodeo Queen of Australia crown still has it's winning shine after she won the title just last month.

Rodeo runs through her blood, and the university student cannot wait too represent her country at the sport's biggest competitions.

While Rebekah looks the part wearing bedazzled long-sleeved shirts and rhinestone belts, she isn't your average beauty queen.

"Entering was completely new to me,” she said.

"I saw the girls, like Latoya (Ward) and Bessie (Smits) going around the last few years and it really interested me, so I thought I would give it a go.”

After being judged on her public speaking, personal presentation, riding abilities and general knowledge she picked up People's Choice, Miss Horsemanship, and of course, Rodeo Queen of Australia at the Gold Coast finals in September.

She had to beat ladies from across the country to win her title.

"I honestly don't know why they picked me, I was just genuinely being myself,” she said.

Growing up in Moree, a small town in north-west New South Wales, Rebekah grew up riding horses.

Her dad, Darren McMahon, is a former bull riding competitor so Rebekah was introduced to the sport early on.

"There are photos of me riding around at rodeos when I was about 18months to two years old,” she said.

Aboard her best horse Blaze she is a keen steer undecorater and barrel racer.

Next year, her riding abilities will be showcased on the world stage as she is scheduled to ride with the Australian flag during the grand parade at several big-ticket competitons.

"So there is a trip overseas in July next year, where we got to Canada and America,” she said. "So it's the Calgary Stampede, Cheyenne Frontier, and Fort Worth Texas.

"I haven't seen anything on that type of scale before.

"It's exciting and nerve-wracking.”

Rebekah admitted the next few months would be a juggle, fitting in her duties as queen, a competitor and student.

"I have worked it out and I will be overseas when the semester finals are on next year. So I have decided to take that semester off,” she said.

Delaying her graduation date was an easy choice to make - Rebekah is humbled to represent her country.

"It's an indescribable feeling. It makes me speechless every time I try to put it into words. It's quite amazing,” she said.

Her first duty will be attending Australia's rodeo finals in Dalby, which will be held in November.

The bulk of her role is to work with rodeo's national committee as an ambassador.

"I mostly work promoting the sport and explaining what it's all about,” she said.

Search "Rodeo Queen of Australia” to keep up to date with Rebekah's journey.